Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The Diocese of Trenton has been blessed with hundreds of wonderful priests throughout the last two centuries. To continue these blessings, I am announcing a Called By Name campaign for next weekend, April 25 & 26. Fittingly, that weekend is also Good Shepherd Weekend.

As your Bishop, I am asking you to prayerfully reflect on anyone that you may have encountered in the parish, at home, or even yourself, who you think may have a vocational call to the priesthood. Throughout the Diocese next weekend, our priests will be preaching on vocations and the call to the priesthood. Cards will be distributed throughout the pews and churches which will enable you to nominate or recommend a young man, with his contact information, whom you think might be called to the priesthood.

After gathering all the submitted names and contact information, the Vocations Office will reach out to them and invite them to a special day of prayer and reflection on June 12, the Solemn Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to open their hearts and minds to God’s potential call to the priesthood. This initiative is near and dear to my own heart. While I was President of Catholic University, this campaign proved to be effective in leading many young men to enter the seminary and eventually to be ordained. I invite you to prayerfully participate in this holy effort.

Sincerely Yours In Christ,

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D.

Bishop of Trenton